“Ventura Highway” was a №8 hit from America’s 1972 album Homecoming. Singer and guitarist Dewey Bunnell wrote “Ventura Highway” about his family’s trip in 1963 from Nebraska to California.

Enjoy this excerpt from New York Rock & Roll History: The 1970s, part of our new series tracing the roots of NYC rock music.

It is sad to note that Victor Willis, lead vocalist of 1970s disco group Village People, has died at the age of 74. Willis, who performed as a policeman or naval officer, co-wrote the band’s biggest hits, including “YMCA” and “In the Navy.”

In the 1950s, the street corners of cities across the US were the rehearsal halls for nascent doo wop groups perfecting their harmonies. Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers and the Chips were among thousands of teens who honed their vocal skills under a streetlamp, dreaming of success.

The Lovin’ Spoonful recorded hit after hit in the 1960s, but by 1968, singer-songwriter John Sebastian left to pursue a solo career. Sebastian recorded solo LPs and played harmonica on the Doors’ “Roadhouse Blues,” but he couldn’t replicate the success he had with the Spoonful.

“Respect Yourself” was released in 1971 in an era of black self-empowerment that featured songs like James Brown’s “Say It Loud — I’m Black and I’m Proud” and Curtis Mayfield’s “Move on Up.” The song was recorded by the Staple Singers, a family group that featured Mavis Staples and her father, Roebuck “Pops” Staples.

It is sad to note the passing of David Clayton-Thomas, the Canadian-born singer of horn rock’s Blood, Sweat & Tears. No cause of death was given. Clayton, 84, died peacefully on June 24 at a Toronto hospital.

By 1980, the last few albums produced by Paul McCartney and Wings did not enjoy the success of LPs like 1973’s Band on the Run. McCartney decided to record a solo album, McCartney II, on which he played all the instruments. Its title was a nod to 1970’s McCartney, his debut solo album recorded without other musicians.

Patrice O’Neal only recorded one hour-long comedy special before he died in 2011 at 41 from a stroke caused by type 2 diabetes. Elephant in the Room, released in 2011, showcased O’Neal’s interactions with the audience.

“Reminiscing” is one of Little River Band’s signature songs. The lead vocalist was Glenn Shorrock, and it was written by the Australian band’s rhythm guitarist Graeham Goble, who explained its creation in Guitar Player.

“Junior’s Farm” was written by Paul McCartney and recorded by his band, Wings. The roots of the 1974 №3 hit go back to McCartney’s purchase of a Scottish estate called High Park Farm. In his memoir The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present, McCartney said the estate provided a respite from the business of being a Beatle.

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Kenny Rogers said that Jimi Hendrix once told him that “Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)” was his all-time favorite song.

Regarded as one of the greatest live albums, At Fillmore East was recorded by the Allman Brothers Band on the final two nights of a three-night stand March 12–13, 1971 at Bill Graham’s iconic rock venue.

Promoter Ron Delsener presented Bruce Springsteen, Lou Reed, Neil Young, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and many other stars at the Palladium.

A Star Is Bought was written and produced by Brooks and Harry Shearer. Brooks, according to the album’s scenario, wants to become a crossover recording star, appealing to as many different music fans as possible.

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The core members of Mountain — singer-guitarist Leslie West, bassist and producer Felix Pappalardi, and drummer Corky Laing — formed in 1969. Mountain’s “Mississippi Queen” is the band’s biggest hit, reaching №21 in 1970. West told Music Aficionado that Laing came up with the inspiration for the lyrics.

“She Works Hard for the Money” is the title track of Donna Summer’s 1983 album. Released as the lead single, it was a №1 R&B hit that year. Summer wrote the song with producer Michael Omartian.

The British Invasion knocked many American groups off the charts in the mid-1960s. Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs, who scored a number one hit with “Sugar Shack” in 1963, decided to adopt a grittier sound with “Bottle of Wine.” Gilmer still performed lead vocals, but the band shortened its name to the Fireballs to reflect ‘60s fans’ preference for groups.